Track and field prepares for conference meet

Senior Josh Owens took fourth place in the pole vault at The Meet Of The UnSaintly with a vault of 15-feet 9.75 inches. Gustavus Sports Information

The Gustavus track and field team competed at The Meet Of The UnSaintly on Saturday, May 4, 2013. The meet took place at Hamline University, where the Gusties performed well.

On the women’s team, Junior Nevada Wendlandt placed fourth in the high jump while Senior Ally Voss vaulted at 11-feet seven-inches. Senior Lauren Rothschiller finished fifth place in the triple jump. Senior Captain Amanda Iverson also had a top place finish on the team, finishing in fifth place in the 400-meter dash.

The men’s team also competed well at the meet, especially in field events. Senior Josh Owens took fourth in the pole vault, clearing 15-feet 9.75 inches. Sophomore Jesse Scheiterlein competed in the hammer throw, finishing in fourth place after a throw of 145’9’’.

Last week’s meet concluded the regular season for the track and field team, and select athletes will go on to compete in the MIAC Outdoor Championships. The meet will be held at the University of Saint Thomas from May 10-11.

The team believes their biggest competition at the conference meet will be the University of Saint Thomas and Saint Olaf.

“The conference meet is always a really close competition, so it’s hard to say where we’ll finish. I think top five is definitely possible, maybe even top three if we put in some solid performances on both days,” Senior Meredith Bache-Wiig said.

“I think we will have a very strong showing at the conference meet because we are ready to bring all of our energy and frustration of being cooped up all season to the track. I foresee a lot of heart and enthusiasm being put into each event, and the outcome can only be good if we lay it all out on the track,” Voss said.

The weather during the regular season has provided a challenge for the track and field team, as the athletes have had to deal with being unable to practice outside as often as they were used to.

“The only way to get through a ridiculous season like this is to stay optimistic and laugh,” Senior Captain Jenny Hendricks said.

Despite meets being cancelled and rescheduled due to snow and ice, the team has managed to come together to finish the regular season with some impressive performances.

“We’ve really had to come together and fire ourselves up to still compete hard and give it our all despite the obstacles we have faced,” Voss said.

During seasons where there are obstacles out of the athletes’ control, it is important for the team to have strong leadership. The coaches and captains have been a key part of keeping the team going strong.

“The team as a whole has done a lot of bonding this season, due to a big effort by our captains. They have done a great job of bringing us together and encouraging us to support one another,” Bache-Wiig said.

Head Coach Dale Bahr as well as Assistant Coaches William Braunger, Brenden Huber, and Tom Thorkelson have been dedicated to their athletes’ success from day one and have worked to keep their athletes motivated this year.

“The team as a whole is definitely very capable. Our coaches have prepared us to the best of their abilities and the responsibility now rests in our hands to perform as we know that we can,” Senior Anders Culver said.

The athletes are excited to race again this weekend and prove they can compete with their MIAC rivals.

“After such a weird season, we’re excited to end it right,” Hendricks said.